Summary of "Components of the Ecosystem | Science videos | iKen | iKen Edu | iKen App"

Ecosystem Definition and Types

An Ecosystem is a dynamic system comprising both biotic and abiotic components, influencing each other and essential for maintaining life.
Ecosystems can be classified as:
- Natural or Artificial
- Temporary or Permanent
- Terrestrial Ecosystems (e.g., forests, grasslands, deserts)
- Aquatic Ecosystems (e.g., ponds, lakes, marine estuaries)

Biotic Components:
- Producers: Autotrophic organisms (e.g., green plants, photosynthetic bacteria) that produce energy through photosynthesis.
- Consumers: Heterotrophic organisms that depend on producers for energy:
  - Primary Consumers: Herbivores (e.g., insects, rabbits, cows)
  - Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat herbivores (e.g., foxes, snakes)
  - Tertiary Consumers: Top carnivores (e.g., lions, hawks)
  - Decomposers: Organisms (e.g., fungi, bacteria) that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients.
Abiotic Components:
- Climatic Factors: Temperature, humidity, rainfall, and snowfall.
- Edaphic Factors: Soil composition and structure, which affect nutrient availability and organism distribution.

Hydrologic Cycle: The movement of water through the biosphere, essential for life.
Temperature Adaptations: Organisms develop physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive in varying temperature conditions.
Water Balance: Essential for all living organisms; adaptations vary among species to maintain hydration.
Light and Photoperiodism: Light influences photosynthesis and the reproductive cycles of plants and animals.
Soil Composition: The mineral content and pH of soil affect the types of organisms that can thrive in an Ecosystem.
Topography: Physical features of the landscape influence the distribution of organisms.

An Ecosystem requires both biotic and abiotic components to function effectively, highlighting their interdependence.